Thursday, May 5, 2016

Three In a Row Here We Go! - NASL IND v FCE Preview (5/7/0216)

Mares in action against FC Edmonton

By: James CormackIndy Eleven return to the Mike on Saturday as the only remaining undefeated team in the NASL. As pointed out to me by Patrick Cummings, we are actually one of only three teams in North America to have not lost a game along with LA Galaxy II and Vancouver II in the USL.

FC Edmonton come to town on the back of two wins with a surprise result on the road in Jacksonville on Wednesday. After an opening day draw at Rayo OKC and a win over Ottawa Fury, Edmonton have tallied 7 points and move to within a point of Indy Eleven in the table.

Both teams come into the game on the back of two straight wins. Indy Eleven will look to build on their points tally, but no game in the NASL is ever a certainty, however you would have to believe the home side start as favorites.

The last time FC Edmonton came to Indianapolis in September of 2015, Indy lost 2-0 and the defeat pretty much killed off any remaining belief that the team could reach the playoffs last season. Indy Eleven failed to find any consistency during the fall season, this loss at home was a typical example.The first meeting of the two teams last year did give Indy Eleven their biggest ever league victory up to that point when FC Edmonton fell to a 3-0 demolishing by the Boys in Blue. Duke Lacroix and Dylan Mares both scored in that game. Despite losing one of their best players in Lance Laing in the off season, the Eddies have done a pretty good job of retaining much of their squad from 2015. Colin Miller is no slouch as a coach, and has proved in the past he can produce results without big names! For Edmonton though this will be their second game in four days, it is also their second of three in a week as they will face off with Ottawa Fury in the Voyageurs Cup on the 11th of May.

In the Wednesday win over Jacksonville Armada in Florida the Eddies only had four substitutes on the bench. Midfielder Sainey Nyassi did not feature, despite an assist and 85 minutes of game time in the previous match against Ottawa. We have heard Nyassi had to take care of immigration paperwork or green card matters and should be back in the team. Edmonton have numerous injury concerns this year but Dustin Corea and possibly Tomi Ameobi may return for the trip to Indianapolis.

Duke Lacroix was the last player to score against FC Edmonton

Like last week in Oklahoma, Indy should have mostly all players available for selection. Dylan Mares recovered from illness. Brad Ring who came off in last weeks game is in full training.

We have several players we know are not 90 minute fit but some like Reinoso, Ubiparipović and Larrea saw more time last week and may see more again on Saturday. Barring any last minute illness we are in pretty good shape.

Indy Eleven has only once before won three consecutive NASL league matches. After the historic first home win against Minnesota United in fall of 2014 they went on to defeat San Antonio Scorpions and Ottawa Fury, this feat has not since been repeated.

In all the two teams have met 6 times in two years, FC Edmonton have a one win advantage having defeated Indy three times, Indy have won once at home and once in Canada and there has only been one draw between these two teams. (2-1-3)

I see no reason why Indy Eleven can't take all three points, FC Edmonton cannot be underestimated but I feel the quality and depth in our roster is better. Our team are playing for each other and enjoying it, and they are at home.

Weather: Future forecast showing a small chance of adverse weather during the game, but the forecast changes daily, maybe pack a poncho for a rain delay just in case. Temps during the tailgate can reach low 80's, during the match will range from low 70's to low 60's by the end.

The Indy Eleven NPSL season starts next Wednesday at Grand Park when the Boys In Blue.2 take on Cincinnati Dutch Lions in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Find out more here and how you can buy season tickets for the NPSL season which begins on May 14th.

Indy Eleven dominated the #NASLmap this week, keep tweeting about @IndyEleven#IndyEleven wherever you may be, protect our territories and win new ones!